The Hebrew word chophshûwth, represented by H2669, describes a state of prostration by sickness. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. When used with the word for house, H1004, it refers to a place of isolation for the sick, translated as a several house or what could be considered a hospital.
The use of H2669 is specific and consistent in scripture. In both of its occurrences, it describes the fate of a king afflicted by the LORD with leprosy. King Uzziah was struck and became a leper until his death, forcing him to live apart in a "several house" 2 Kings 15:5. This isolation was not merely physical; the king was explicitly "cut off from the house of the LORD," highlighting a complete separation from his royal duties and religious life 2 Chronicles 26:21. The term, therefore, denotes a specific place of confinement due to a severe and debilitating illness.
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context surrounding H2669:
- H1004 bayith (a house): This word is used in direct combination with H2669 to form the phrase "several house," indicating the physical dwelling of isolation 2 Kings 15:5.
- H6879 tsâraʻ (leper, leprous): This term identifies the specific affliction that necessitates dwelling in the "several house." It is the direct cause of the king's separation 2 Chronicles 26:21.
- H3427 yâshab (to dwell, to remain): This word describes the action of the king, who was made to dwell or remain in the house of isolation for the rest of his life 2 Kings 15:5.
- H1504 gâzar (to cut down or off; exclude): This powerful verb explains the consequence of the king's condition. He was cut off from the temple and the community, signifying total exclusion 2 Chronicles 26:21.
The theological significance of H2669 is tied to the concepts of affliction, separation, and judgment.
- Physical and Ritual Separation: The "several house" is the physical manifestation of a required separation. The condition of leprosy (H6879) rendered a person unclean, necessitating their removal from the community and, most importantly, from places of worship.
- Consequence of Transgression: In the case of King Uzziah, his confinement to this place was the direct result of divine judgment for his actions 2 Chronicles 26:21. The "several house" thus symbolizes the earthly consequence of his sin.
- Exclusion from God's Presence: The most severe aspect of this confinement was being "cut off from the house of the LORD" 2 Chronicles 26:21. This illustrates that certain conditions or actions could lead to a separation from the covenant community and access to God's presence in the temple.
In summary, H2669 is a highly specific term that signifies more than just a place. It represents a state of complete isolation brought on by severe sickness. As seen in the biblical accounts, being confined to a "several house" meant being physically removed from society and, more significantly, being ritually excluded from the community of worship. It serves as a stark illustration of the profound consequences of affliction and judgment in the Old Testament narrative.
TRV